Reusable container for retail display of electric cable components

ABSTRACT

A packaging assembly is provided for storing and merchandising electric components, such as electrical cables. Until now, cables and other electrical components have typically in disposable container, which were generally not reusable, and often require knives or tools to open, risking damage and injury. However, to combat problems associated with conventional devices and techniques, an easy-to-use reusable packaging assembly is employed. The packaging assembly utilizes a box and a lid that are coupled together with latch assemblies. Then, a sheath can slidably engage the box and lid to allow for, ease of marketing. The combination then allows for easy storage and mechanizing for cables that has not become available until now.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority from U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. ______ entitled “REUSABLE RETAIL DISPLAY AND STORAGE UNIT FOR ELECTRONICS COMPONENTS” (Attorney Docket No. DSC 03392 DPUS) and from U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. ______ entitled “SHEATHED REUSABLE RETAIL DISPLAY AND STORAGE UNIT FOR ELECTRONICS COMPONENTS” (Attorney Docket No. DSC 03393 DPUS), both of which were filed on Apr. 15, 2005.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to packaging, and in particular, to convenient packaging for electric cables and similar components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It has long been desirable to have a convenient package that can be employed for use with electrical cables and similar components. There have been numerous attempts to conveniently package electrical cords that allow for both ease of display and ease of storage.

Traditionally, cords have been simply coiled. Typically, the cables are coiled into a circle and secured across the diameter of the coiled cable. Once secured, the cable could be attached to a hanger.

However, simply hanging cables for displays poses a number of problems. Specifically, it is very easy for a customer to accidentally be caught by the coil causing injury or damage. Moreover, repackaging the cable can be cumbersome. In many cases, adhesive tags are employed to maintain the coiled cables, but the adhesive tags are not easily repaired. Additionally, once a customer purchases the cable, storage can become a cumbersome task because there is no immediate storage device or method.

Alternatively, cables are securely packaged by a process known as “bubble wrap,” in which a cellophane or similar material is formed over the product and secured by heat. This process provides a water-tight packaging that is very often difficult to remove, even when scissors are used. Opening the package risk damage to the contents and injury to the buyer. Once the cabling is removed, the destroyed package is discarded.

The prior art designs for cable packaging are difficult to remove and not reusable. Thus, it can thus be seen that there is a need to develop a design for retail packaging for electric cables which is easily removable and reusable by end-user consumers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An advantage of the present invention is that it is simple and aesthetically attractive. Another advantage of the present invention is that it is inexpensive to manufacture. Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a simplified and easy storage. Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a storage system that is aesthetically appealing, and light-weight. Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a reusable container for storing and merchandising electronic cabling. The container generally comprises a box portion, a lid, and a latch portion. The box portion comprises a base having four sides extending upwards from the perimeter of the base, forming a substantially rectangular box edge opposite the base. An outwardly inverted flange is formed along the box edge. The lid is removable and comprises a lid topside and an opposite lid underside. A groove is formed adjacent to the perimeter of the lid underside. The groove is complementarily engagable with the top of the flange when the lid is place on the box. A recess is formed on the lid topside. A generally semi-cylindrical latch has one or more anchors on one side and corresponding latch hooks on its opposite side. The latch hooks are pivotally attached to corresponding latch slots formed in the flange. The anchors are complementarily engagable with the recess of the lid topside for securing the lid to the box portion.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container further comprises a hanger removably attached to the flange on one end, and having a hole or aperture for attachment to a retail display device. In a more preferred embodiment, the hanger has one or more hanger hooks pivotally attached to corresponding hanger slots formed in the flange.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the box portion and lid are made of a transparent material.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container comprises a sheath configured to slidably engage the box and the lid. Additionally, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sheath is formed of cardboard or configured to contain printed material on at least one surface.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the recess of the lid topside has a relief portion in which the recess is enlarged to accommodate finger actuation of the latch.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the box, lid, hanger, and latches are made from a microwavable, and dishwasher safe polyethylene material.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a reusable container for storing and merchandising electronic cabling. The container generally comprises a box portion, a lid, and a latch portion. The box portion comprises a base having four sides extending upwards from the perimeter of the base, and forming a substantially rectangular box edge opposite the base. An outwardly inverted flange is formed along the box edge. The lid is removable and comprises a lid topside and an opposite lid underside. A groove is formed along and inwardly adjacent to the perimeter of the lid underside. The groove is complementarily engagable with the flange when the lid is place on the box. A recess is formed along and inwardly adjacent to the perimeter of the topside of the lid. A generally semi-cylindrical latch has one or more anchors on one side and latch hooks on its opposite side. The latch hooks are pivotally attached to corresponding latch slots formed in the flange. The latch anchors are complementarily engagable with the recess of the lid topside for securing the lid to the box portion. Additionally, each latch has a flat lifting edge between anchors that is substantially parallel to said lid topside when each of said latches is engaging said lid.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the invention will become more readily understood from the following detailed description and appended claims when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements.

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of reusable retail container in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a second isometric view of the reusable retail container with a retracted sheath accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the unlatched reusable retail container in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the latches in an opened position.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the box without the lid.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the lid topside in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the lid underside.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the box of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is an isometric exploded view of the flange of the box with a detached latch.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the latch affixed to the box.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the flange of the box with a detached hanger.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the hanger affixed to the box.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a reusable retail container 10 illustrated in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Reusable retail container 10 comprises a box 20, a removable lid 40, and a slidably removable sheath 80. When fully assembled, lid 40 rests on the top of box 20 and sheath 80 slidably covers box 20 and lid 40, as shown. A hanger 70 extends from box 20 to permit retail display in connection with conventional retail display devices.

FIG. 2 is a second isometric view of reusable retail container 10 with sheath 80 partially retracted. Retraction of sheath 80 discloses a pair of latches 60 attached to box 20. Latches 60 are shown in a closed position, securing lid 40 to box 20. FIG. 3 illustrates reusable retail container 10 with sheath 80 completely removed. In this view, latches 60 are shown in an opened position.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of box 20 from FIG. 3, with lid 40 removed. In the preferred embodiment, box 20 comprises a base 22 having four sides 24 extending upwards from the perimeter of base 22, and forming a substantially rectangular box edge 26 in a plane parallel to base 22. Box edge 26 forms an open top of box 20. An outwardly inverted flange 30 is integrally formed along the perimeter of box edge 26. Latches 60 are pivotally attached to flange 30 on opposite sides of box 20. Hanger 70 extends from box 20. In the preferred embodiment, hanger 70 is pivotally attached to flange 30, on a side 24 of box 20 in perpendicular orientation to latches 60.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of lid 40 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Lid 40 has a topside 42 and an opposite underside 48 (Shown in FIG. 6). Topside 42 has a recess 44 formed thereon. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, recess 44 extends along the surface of topside 42, parallel to, and inwardly offset of, the perimeter edge of lid 40. A pair of relief's 46 are formed on opposite sides of topside 42 of lid 40, and intersect recess 44. In the preferred embodiment, relief's 46 extend inwardly from recess 44, towards the center of lid 40.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of underside 48 of lid 40 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen if FIG. 6, a groove 50 is formed in underside 48 of lid 40 for complementary engagement with flange 30 when lid 40 is placed on box 20.

FIG. 7 is a top view of box 20. From this view, it can be seen that walls 24 form box edge 26. It can also bee seen that outwardly inverted flange 30 is integrally formed along the perimeter of box edge 26.

FIG. 8 is an isometric exploded view of flange 30 of box 20 with latch 60 detached. Latch 60 comprises a generally semi-cylindrical body 62. In the preferred embodiment a pair of latch hooks 64 are formed on one side of body 62. A pair of anchors 66 are formed on the opposite side of body 62. A lift edge 68 is formed between anchors 66. As also seen in FIG. 8, flange 30 of box 20 has a pair of slots 32. Slots 32 are receivable of hooks 64.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of latch 60 pivotally attached to flange 30 of box 20. Latch 60 is pivotally attachable to box 20 by inserting hooks 64 of latch 60 into slots 32 of flange 30. When lid 40 is placed on box 20, anchors 66 are engagable with recess 44 of lid 40, and lift edge 66 is located in alignment with relief 46 of lid 40, as best seen in FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of flange 30 of box 20 with hanger 70 detached. In the preferred embodiment a pair of hanger hooks 72 are formed on one side of hanger 70. A slot. 74 is formed on the opposite side of hanger 70. As also seen in FIG. 11, flange 30 of box 20 has a pair of hanger slots 32. Slots 32 are receivable of hanger hooks 72.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of hanger 70 pivotally attached to flange 30 of box 20. Hanger 70 is pivotally attachable to box 20 by inserting hanger hooks 72 of hanger 70 into slots 34 of flange 30. In the preferred embodiment, hanger 70 is pivotally attached to flange 30, on a side 24 of box 20 in perpendicular orientation to latches 60.

Operation of the Preferred Embodiments

As can be seen in FIGS. 1-4, comprises a reusable retail container box 20, a removable lid 40, and a removable and printable display sheath 80. A hanger 70 permits retail display in connection with conventional retail display devices.

Typically, box 20 is formed of a plastic that can be either clear or opaque; however, there are a numerous other materials that can comprise box 20. Box 20 is generally parallelepiped shape having a base surface 22 with four interconnected walls 24 extending substantially orthogonal therefrom. Walls 24 form a contiguous box edge 26 defining an open top of box 20. As best seen in FIG. 7. From box edge 26, an inverted flange 30 extends outwardly and downwardly along the length of box edge 26.

As seen in FIG. 4, lid 40 is removable. When lid 40 is removed, box 20 is of a size convenient for the storage of electronic cable components, particularly of the size commonly used in the automotive aftermarket part industry, and the personal computer market. The shape of the box provides high-density packing and storage capability that bubble wrap products can not provide. Lid 40 has groove 50 formed on its underside 48. Groove 50 follows the perimeter of the lid 40, and is substantially the same length as flange 30 of box 20. Groove 50 provides a complementary slot for receiving flange 30 of box 20.

Groove 50 coupling to flange 30 assists in maintaining the position of lid 40 in relation to box 20 when horizontal separating forces are applied. There are a variety of depths that can be employed; however, in one preferred embodiment, groove 50 is approximate one quarter of an inch in depth.

Lid 40 rests over the open top of box 20, where groove 50 couples to flange 30, to create a complete enclosure, and electrical components, such as electrical cables, are stored within the confines of box 20.

Topside 42 of lid 40 has recess 44 which provides a complementary space for receiving anchors 66 of latch 60. In the preferred embodiment, latches 60 are made of a flexible material. When latches 60 are rotated to clip over lid 40, semi-cylindrical body 62 can flex, increasing the radial distance between latch hooks 64 an anchors 66 a sufficient distance to allow anchors 66 to clear the edge of lid 40, and allowing anchors 66 to snap into place in recess 44. This securely couples lid 40 to box 20. Lid 40 can then be decoupled from box 20 by applying force to lift edge 68. Relief 46 is provided adjacent and integral with recess 44, and between anchors 66 to provide clearance necessary to disengage latches 60 for lid 40.

Latches 60 are pivotally attached to flange 30 on opposite sides of box 20. In the preferred embodiment, there are two distinct latches (see FIGS. 2, 3, and 7) that are located on opposing walls 24 of box 20. When engaged, as can be seen in FIG. 2, the arched or generally semi-cylindrical body 62 of latches 60 conform over the edge of lid 40 and flange 30 of box 20. Latch anchors 66 fit securely into recess 44. Therefore, latch 60 maintains the position of lid 40 in relation to box 20 even when horizontal and/or vertical separating forces are applied to the packaging. Additionally, there are a variety of materials that can comprise lid 40, which can be either transparent or opaque. Typically, though, the material that comprises the lid 40 matches the box 20.

Moreover, in order to be able to remove lid 40 many times, latch 60 should allow for easy detachment as seen in FIG. 3. The design as described permits the purchaser to open the box without the need for knives or other tools to access the product. The buyer can comfortably use a finger or thumb to disengage latch 60 without the use of any tools.

In a first embodiment, hanger 70 extends from box 20. Hanger 70 renders reusable container 10 attachable to conventional merchandising display devices. Hanger 70 thus allows customers to easily view the merchandise while minimizing the amount of storage space required. In the preferred embodiment, hanger 70 is removable and pivotally attached to flange 30, on a side 24 of box 20 in perpendicular orientation to latches 60. The removable and pivotal attachment of hanger 70 provides the purchaser the option of removing and discarding hanger 70, or allowing hanger 70 to pivot out of the way for easier storage in other compartments such as tool boxes and glove boxes of automobiles. In the preferred embodiment, hanger 70 is pivotally attached to flange 30, on a side 24 of box 20 in perpendicular orientation to latches 60.

To cover box 20 and lid 40, sheath 80 is employed. Typically, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, sheath 80 is comprised of cardboard or paper, but there are a variety of other materials that can be employed. Sheath 80 can also employ letters, markings, and graphics to display or advertise the feature or content of the packaging. As can best be seen with FIG. 1, sheath 80 when in a center position covers lid latch assemblies 60. However, FIG. 2 shows the exposed each latch 60 that coupled lid 40 to the box 20. IN the preferred embodiment, sheath 80 is at least as long as the length of latch 60, and is thus located over latch 60 to prevent undesired disengagement of latch 60.

A primary advantage of the present invention is that it permits utilization of convenient packaging. The packaging can easily store cables, which are cumbersome to package, while allowing for maximum display coverage for consumers. Moreover, the packaging is completely reusable and made of a durable material, such as plastic. The use or translucent plastic permits visibility of the product inside. The packaging allows consumers to better utilize products by being able to reuse packaging. Thus, the amount of consumer waste related to the purchase of electrical components, including but not limited to electrical cables, can be dramatically reduced. Moreover, the packaging allows a consumer to eliminate the purchase of additional storage devices, reducing the overall cost to a consumer.

Another advantage to having the packaging is that the packaging can be molded to include trademarks or other advertising materials. For example, a company name can be embedded by having a shaded that reads the name while the rest of the packaging is translucent. Moreover, different colorations can be used for varying effects, including the illustration of trademarks. The packaging can also be made of a material that is either receptive to or not receptive to adhesives so that that stickers may or may not adhere to the packaging.

There are also a wide variety of means of manufacturing the packaging. Depending on the desired durability desired, injection molded techniques can be employed as welling as a variety of other milling techniques. It is also possible to not only manufacture packaging out of plastic, but metals, such as aluminum and steel, can be used instead.

It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention. 

1. A reusable container for storing and merchandising cabling, comprising: a box portion comprising: a base; four sides extending upwards from the perimeter of the base, and forming a substantially rectangular box edge opposite the base; an outwardly inverted flange formed along the box edge; a plurality of slots formed on the flange; and, a removable lid, comprising: a lid topside and an opposite lid underside; a groove formed along the perimeter of the lid underside, complementarily engagable with the flange; a recess formed in the lid topside; and, a latch pivotally attached to the slots of the flange on one end, and having an anchor opposite end; and, wherein the latch anchor is complementarily engagable with the recess of the lid topside for securing the lid to the box portion.
 2. The container of claim 1, further comprising: wherein the latch has a body portion that is generally semi-cylindrical.
 3. The container of claim 1, further comprising: a relief formed on the lid topside integral to the recess. the latch having a pair of anchors, and a lift edge formed between the anchors; and wherein upon engagement of the anchors in the recess of the lid, the lift edge is located adjacent to the relief.
 4. The container of claim 1, further comprising: a hanger attached to the flange on one end, and having a slot.
 5. The container of claim 4, wherein the hanger is pivotally attached to the box.
 6. The container of claim 1, wherein the box portion and lid are made of a transparent material.
 7. The container of claim 1, wherein the latch is formed of a flexible material.
 8. The container of claim 1, further comprising: a pair of latches pivotally attached to the flange, on opposite sides of the box portion.
 9. The container of claim 8, further comprising: a hinge, removable and pivotally attached to a side of the box not containing a latch.
 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises a sheath configured to slidably engage over the box and the lid.
 11. The container of claim 10, wherein the sheath is formed of cardboard.
 12. The container of claim 10, wherein the sheath is configured to contain printed material on at least one surface.
 13. The container of claim 10, wherein the sheath is large enough to cover the latches. 